Much of the misery was to do with his parents' handicap. 'They were both profoundly deaf and dumb. My Dad had lost his hearing at the age of five through some infection. It was genetic in my mother's case. They could make noises when they were emotionally aroused, but they couldn't form it into speech.' As a consequence Richard was brought up in a world of silence. There was no television. He got his first radio aged 15 and was listening to a Proms concert when his father nudged him and asked what it sounded like. 'I couldn't explain music to him, and I felt monstrous; totally inadequate.' The family lived in a council flat in Stockton-upon-Tees. Richard attempted to run away many times. 'The trouble was I was sort of responsible for them. From the age of four I would help with the shopping. That is why I have a life-long loathing of shopping. They would sign and I would translate to the shopkeeper.'
Dear, wonderful man. RIP Xxx
Pleased to find this interview, some really great questions and answers. RG was a very gifted and natural actor.
Much of the misery was to do with his parents' handicap. 'They were both profoundly deaf and dumb. My Dad had lost his hearing at the age of five through some infection. It was genetic in my mother's case. They could make noises when they were emotionally aroused, but they couldn't form it into speech.' As a consequence Richard was brought up in a world of silence. There was no television. He got his first radio aged 15 and was listening to a Proms concert when his father nudged him and asked what it sounded like. 'I couldn't explain music to him, and I felt monstrous; totally inadequate.'
The family lived in a council flat in Stockton-upon-Tees. Richard attempted to run away many times. 'The trouble was I was sort of responsible for them. From the age of four I would help with the shopping. That is why I have a life-long loathing of shopping. They would sign and I would translate to the shopkeeper.'